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Alitalia no ‘conflict of interest’ for Tajani

Antonio Tajani, the EU’s new transport commissioner, last night rejected suggestions by members of the European Parliament that, as an Italian, he faces a conflict of interest in taking decisions over the future of Alitalia.

The European Commission on 11 June announced an in-depth investigation into whether the Italian government broke EU rules when it gave a €300 million loan to the ailing national carrier. Italy’s Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi vowed to save Alitalia shortly after his re-election in April.

Tajani, an MEP for 15 years and member of Berlusconi’s Forza Italia party, denied there was a conflict of interest. “I have to behave as a European commissioner. I [won’t] first of all look at my own passport or identity card,” he said. “I [won’t] act in any way to try to protect Alitalia.”

He added that he had no “conflicts of economic interest”.

He rejected one MEP’s suggestion that he should refer the decision to a colleague, saying he would not “pass the burden on” as commissioners are often called to rule on topics touching their own country of origin. All commissioners swear an oath to act in Europe’s interest.

Tajani, who once worked as an air-traffic controller, was speaking at a hearing held by the European Parliament’s transport committee, a rite of passage for all new commissioners. The Italian was appointed after his predecessor Franco Frattini stepped down to become Italy’s foreign minister.

Tajani announced six priorities as transport commissioner: a package on a “single European Sky” (an integrated air-traffic control system for Europe) that will be published next week, a green transport package expected in July, the EU’s maritime package, road safety, air passenger rights and Galileo, Europe’s satellite system.

During the nearly three-hour session, he also emphasised citizen and passenger rights. He promised to introduce a “roadmap” to replace current rules on liquids that passengers can take on board airplanes. He has also vowed to check airlines are honouring commitments to pay compensation to passengers when flights are cancelled.

Despite questions over Alitalia, this was no inquisition. Many friendly words flowed his way. Tajani, who was elected to the Parliament in 1994, paid tribute to the Parliament and said he would always be an MEP “in his heart”. In the session, he answered questions on airport slots, motorways of the sea and greener transport.

Although MEPs referred to Tajani as “commissioner-designate” and will vote on his candidacy on Wednesday, the Parliament’s vote is formality. Under EU rules, the appointment of one commissioner to replace another does not need to be approved by the Parliament.